Tags
Marin Cheese Factory, Muir Beach Lookout, Muir Woods, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Samuel P. Taylor Park
Marin Driving Loop
This is the final driving loop developed for Franco Charles Babu in 2009 and shared with multiple coworkers visiting from India over the past few years. This driving loop also begins in Petaluma. Note there is a minor change between point E and F – they should be swapped.
The Marin Cheese Factory does tours, and it’s interesting to see how cheese is made.
This is a great place to feed the ducks.
Marin Cheese Factory
Driving through the town of Nicasio – it’s very cute, it has a “Rancho” which is now a bar owned by a retired music manager and a semi-retired blues singer.
There’s an adorable little church in Nicasio
George Lucas lives in this area – nestled in the hills is Skywalker Ranch – where Star Wars was born. As you drive through the trees from Nicasio on your way to Samuel P. Taylor park, you may be reminded of one of the Star Wars movies where they were battling the Ewoks.
Samuel P Taylor park charges a day use fee of $6.00. This is a state park. It’s got a nice picnic area.
Picnic Area
I’ve noticed that my map is wrong – you should go from Samuel P Taylor to Bear Valley trail. Turn RIGHT when you get to the end of the road instead of left like the directions say. You will be coming back this way when leaving thee Bear Valley Trail. (Switch E and F on my map)
The Bear Valley Visitors Center at Pt Reyes is interesting – it is the center of the famous 1906 Earthquake that pretty much destroyed San Francisco. You can see the actual earthquake fault. There’s a nice hike from there also – if you feel you have the time – if you would rather drive out to the lighthouse from here than hike – that might be worth your time.
Leaving Pt. Reyes you travel through Olema, past Bolinas Lagoon, there is a bird sanctuary
Stinson beach is a cute little beach town. It’s normally foggy – but it’s a good beach to walk down. Free parking.
Heading South on Hwy 1 from Stinson Beach you climb the hill on the way to Muir Woods National Monument, (more Redwood Trees). I think they charge an enormous entry fee and there’s normally no parking. It’s extremely crowded.
Muir Woods website;
Muir Woods
Also along Hwy 1 is Muir Beach overlook… really nice view from there.
The drive takes you into Mill Valley and you can join the highway 101 to come home
Dana Dahling - a beginner's blog 